Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai has decried U.S. President Donald Trump's orders barring refugees and immigrants from Syria and a raft of other Muslim countries.

"I am heartbroken that today President Trump is closing the door on children, mothers, and fathers fleeing violence and war," said Malala, who the Taliban shot in the head in 2012 because she pushed for the education of girls in Pakistan.

After a struggle to survive, she was named the world's youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner.

"I am heartbroken that America is turning its back on a proud history of welcoming refugees and immigrants -- the people who helped build your country, ready to work hard in exchange for a fair chance at a new life," she said.

Trump on January 27 imposed an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees while imposing temporary bans on refugees from other countries and immigration from Syria, Iraq, Iran, and other specific Muslim countries.

"I am heartbroken that Syrian refugee children, who have suffered through six years of war by no fault of their own, are singled out for discrimination," Yousafzai said.

"I ask President Trump not to turn his back on the world's most defenseless children and families."